Joe Swash has opened up about family life with wife Stacey Solomon, sharing a heartfelt reflection on his bond with her eldest son, Zachary.
The TV personality returned to screens this week in season two of the BBC reality series Stacey and Joe, which offers viewers an intimate glimpse into their busy household at Pickle Cottage.
Together, the couple juggle six children and a lively collection of pets.
Tuesday’s episode marked a milestone for the family as they celebrated Zachary’s 17th birthday.
Stacey, who became a mother at just 18, shares her eldest son with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox.
In a touching show of unity, Dean and his partner Nikki joined the family for a fish and chips dinner in Zachary’s honour.
Joe Swash (pictured) has opened up about family life with wife Stacey Solomon, sharing a heartfelt reflection on his bond with her eldest son, Zachary
Together, the couple juggle six children and a lively collection of pets, and they chronicle their life in the hit reality series Stacey and Joe
In a touching show of unity, Zach’s father Dean and his partner Nikki joined the family for a fish and chips dinner in Zachary’s honour on Tuesday night’s episode
Reflecting on their blended dynamic, former EastEnders star Joe admitted: ‘I know how important it is to make sure dads stay in their kids’ lives.
‘I know what it’s like having someone else in their life, so for me, I just want to bridge the gap.’
Zachary himself was delighted by the gesture, beaming: ‘That was amazing. I think when you’re with your family, with everyone, it’s lovely.’
The evening was filled with laughter as the family reminisced over Stacey’s pregnancy with her eldest.
Nikki playfully remarked that Zachary is now nearing the same age Stacey was when she became a mother, asking: ‘Can you imagine if Zach had a baby now?’
The teenager was quick to reply: ‘No, not yet,’ as Dean pleaded: ‘Please don’t.’
Speaking later to the cameras, Stacey reflected on the importance of harmony between households.
‘In this scenario, it’s all about the child, basically,’ she said. Joe agreed warmly: ‘I think we’re doing a great job of it.’
Stacey, who became a mother at just 18, shares her eldest son with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox (L)
Stacey, pictured with her eldest child Zach, also opened up about her teenage pregnancy in the candid episode
The Sort Your Life Out star added: ‘It’s better for them that they’ve got these two families who absolutely love the bones off them than to be fighting over them. I feel like that would be horrible for them.’
The appearance of Zach’s dad marked a rare occasion, as Stacey has previously revealed why she never talks about her eldest sons’ fathers.
‘I don’t speak much about their dads because I don’t think it’s right for [the children] to read it’, she said.
Boasting more than six million Instagram followers, she has also previously mentioned asking her older children before sharing anything about them online.
Stacey has always said they should have a say in what information is out there about them in the public domain.
Stacey went on to have her second child, Leighton, now 12, with former fiancé Aaron Barham. Joe is father to Harry, 17, from his previous relationship with Emma Sophocleous.
Together, Stacey and Joe share three children – Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two.
The couple tied the knot in 2022 with a romantic ceremony at Pickle Cottage, the same idyllic home where they continue to raise their growing family.
